Kurdistan Region President emphasizes protection of Coalition Forces and diplomatic missions in meeting with U.S. consul general

ERBIL, October 23 — Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani affirmed the continuous protection of coalition forces and diplomatic missions on Monday during a meeting with United States Consul General Mark Stroh.

Barzani also affirmed the ongoing coordination between the Iraqi army and the Peshmerga to maintain stability in the region.

A statement released by the Presidency’s press office said:

During a meeting on Monday, October 23, 2023, His Excellency, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, and U.S. Consul General Mark Stroh exchanged views and perspectives regarding the latest developments in the complex regional situation, including incidents targeting international coalition forces. The meeting also touched upon security coordination between Erbil and Baghdad.

Both sides expressed their concerns about the possibilities and risks of escalating tensions and their repercussions in the Middle East region. They underlined the significance of safeguarding international coalition forces and diplomatic missions in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing the importance of ongoing security cooperation and coordination between the Iraqi army and the Peshmerga to maintain security and stability.